Earthquake Strikes Thailand and Myanmar: Rebels Announce Two-Week Partial Ceasefire

As the aftermath of a devastating earthquake unfolds, the official death toll in Myanmar has tragically risen to 1,644, according to the country's military government. In addition to the fatalities, 2,370 individuals have sustained injuries, and 139 remain unaccounted for. In response to this disaster, rebel groups opposing the military regime have declared a two-week partial ceasefire in the regions affected by the earthquake.

The National Unity Government, which operates from exile, announced on Sunday that its People's Defense Forces (PDF) will refrain from offensive military operations in the impacted areas during this period. However, defensive actions are exempt from this ceasefire agreement. The unity government further stated that it will collaborate with the United Nations and various non-governmental organizations to ensure safety, facilitate transportation, and set up temporary shelters and medical camps in the affected regions.

The earthquake, which struck Myanmar on Friday with a magnitude of 7.7, has resulted in catastrophic damage. The Red Cross has reported extensive destruction, raising concerns about the potential failure of dams along the Irrawaddy River. Significant infrastructure, including the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw's international airport, collapsed during the quake, leading to at least six fatalities, as indicated by local news outlets. The airport has since been closed, and satellite imagery has confirmed the presence of the fallen tower.

The earthquake's epicenter was located approximately 17.2 kilometers from Mandalay, a major urban center in central Myanmar. Many residents remain trapped beneath the rubble, and the destruction of critical infrastructure, such as airports, bridges, and roads, has hindered rescue efforts. Military junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing emphasized the need for coordinated medical assistance across military and civilian hospitals to provide effective healthcare.

Reports indicate that a hospital in Shan State has also collapsed, though details remain scarce. The US Geological Survey estimates that the death toll could escalate into the thousands, with concerns that over 10,000 lives may have been lost across Myanmar and neighboring regions.

The European Commission has activated its Copernicus satellite service to assess the earthquake's impact more accurately and has pledged an initial EUR2.5 million for immediate aid. Additionally, Russia has announced the dispatch of 120 experienced rescuers, along with doctors and search dogs. The US government, led by President Donald Trump, has also committed to providing assistance following discussions with Myanmar officials.

In Thailand, at least three fatalities have been confirmed, with media sources suggesting that the number may rise to ten. There are currently 101 individuals reported missing in Bangkok. Following the earthquake, crowds fled to the streets in panic, and the Thai meteorological authority recorded aftershocks. Rescue operations are ongoing at a collapsed high-rise building in Bangkok, where over 40 construction workers are believed to be trapped.

Emergency aid has begun to arrive from various countries, including India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia. Indian military aircraft have made multiple flights to Myanmar, delivering supplies and rescue teams to Naypyitaw. The Indian army has also pledged to assist in establishing a field hospital in Mandalay. China has sent a small team equipped with disaster response tools across its border into Myanmar, along with promises of additional support from its government.

Despite the influx of aid, residents in some of the hardest-hit areas report a lack of government assistance, feeling abandoned in the wake of the disaster. One resident of Sagaing, close to the earthquake's epicenter, described widespread destruction, saying many buildings have collapsed and essential services, including electricity and drinking water, are running critically low. Local residents are leading most rescue efforts, but they lack the necessary equipment to reach victims still trapped beneath the debris.

In Thailand, the situation is also evolving, with ongoing recovery efforts and reports of aftershocks. The Thai public transportation system has begun to resume normal operations, although assessments of damage are still ongoing in affected areas. The tremors were felt as far away as Yunnan Province in China, as well as in Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India, although the extent of damage in these regions remains unclear.

In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the Austrian embassy in Thailand reported that there have been minor injuries among Austrian nationals during evacuations. Approximately 6,000 Austrians are believed to be in Thailand, with over 1,000 in regions affected by the earthquake. The embassy is in close communication with citizens and is prepared to provide assistance as needed.